Real estate broker Larysa Domino's tagline, "The Domino effect makes everything fall into place," reflects her commitment to taking the stress and pressure out of buying or selling a home.
Larysa Domino's career as a real estate broker is a convergence of all the things she loves - people, her community, her family and finance.
"It's been a great fit for me," said Domino, who entered the real estate world more than four years ago. She initially pursued a career in corporate finance before spending a few years as a stay-at-home mom.
A Hinsdale native, Domino, like many, moved back to her hometown to raise a family. She loves the community for the same reasons that draw her customers to town - great schools, safety, a vibrant downtown and good neighbors.
Domino is a member of the @Properties firm, which is just now preparing to move into its first permanent office space in Hinsdale.
"We're one of the newer brokerages in the marketplace," said Domino, who also calls the firm one of the most proactive in terms of access to the latest and best marketing and technological tools.
Those tools have come in extra handy lately, as a majority of showings have gone virtual.
"While showings are allowed, foot traffic is clearly reduced, and I have re-focused all my listings to the virtual world," Domino said. Video tours in 3-D, professional photography, online floor plans and FaceTime allow potential buyers to "enter" a home without leaving their own.
As an essential business, real estate agents are still allowed to show homes. Title companies and mortgage companies also are allowed to conduct business, meaning real estate transactions can still take place.
"We are taking all precautions for buyers who physically want to tour a property, pre-qualifying them and coordinating carefully with sellers to ensure they are comfortable," Domino said.
While no one knows the impact this will have on the real estate market, Domino said she expects a surge of demand once the Shelter in Place is lifted. If you're selling, now is the time to prepare for that surge.
Decluttering, she said, is the best thing a seller can do. Designate a spot in the basement or garage and start collecting things that can be donated or thrown away.
"A decluttered home looks cleaner - and clean sells," she said.
Secondly, a cluttered home sends the message to a buyer that there's not enough room. And no one wants to feel crowded in their own house.
Sellers also can spend time touching up caulk and paint, washing windows and making small repairs throughout the house. Once the weather gets a little warmer, Domino encourages homeowners to do what they can to spruce up the outside of their homes, too. Now's the time to clean up and repair decks, patios and outdoor living spaces.
Throughout this unprecedented time in the world and in the real estate business, Domino said new listings continue to come on the market in Hinsdale, and buyers are still making offers.
"Buyers are taking advantage of low interest rates and seller motivation. Many buyers have more time with the Shelter in Place than they've previously had to focus on a move," Domino said.
Domino said minimizing stress for buyers and sellers is always a big part of her job. That's never been more true than now.
"People are depending on my professional input, trust and integrity," she said. "I am working harder than ever to ensure that I am focusing the proper attention and strategic direction on their home."
